JP4592817B2 - Train communication system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a train communication system to communicate over the car onto the network of a railway vehicle.

  In railway vehicles, vehicle monitoring control devices are distributed in each vehicle, and vehicle equipment is monitored and controlled by the vehicle monitoring control device. Moreover, a relay apparatus is arrange | positioned for the organization unit of a vehicle. The on-vehicle network of the railway vehicle is configured by communication connection between the relay devices and between the relay device and the vehicle monitoring control device. The vehicle monitoring and control devices share each other's monitoring control data via the on-vehicle network, so that advanced traveling control and failure diagnosis functions can be realized.

  Some communications between vehicle monitoring and control devices require real-time properties such as transmission of command values to various devices and reference of device state values, and occur periodically. In addition, there are cases where non-periodic occurrence occurs without requiring real-time characteristics, as in the case of downloading recorded failure diagnosis results, event logs, and the like. Here, if the former communication that requires real-time performance occurs while the latter communication that does not require real-time performance is continued, the latter communication may impair the real-time performance of the former communication.

  If communication between vehicle monitoring and control devices that require real-time performance is hindered, train running control may be greatly affected. On the other hand, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional technique for simultaneously performing communication that does not require real-time property while ensuring real-time property of communication for exchanging monitoring control data and the like in an on-vehicle network of a railway vehicle. ing.

  In Patent Document 1, a message is given priority information corresponding to the degree to which real-time property is required. For example, a high priority is given to a message that requires real-time property, and a low priority is given to a message that does not require real-time property. The relay device includes a priority queue.

  In the relay device, messages received via the on-vehicle network are distributed to priority queues according to the priority information. The relay device preferentially extracts and relays messages in the high priority queue, and extracts and relays messages in the low priority queue only when there are no messages in the high priority queue.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-333724 (see paragraphs 0018 to 0027, FIGS. 4 and 6)

  Conventionally, a problem occurs when an aperiodic message that does not require real-time property is transmitted immediately before a periodic message that requires real-time property. In this case, at the time when the message requiring real-time property is stored in the high-priority queue, the relay device takes out the message that does not require real-time property from the low-priority queue and starts relaying. For this reason, the relay device cannot relay other messages until the relay of a message that does not require real-time property is completed, and there is a problem that the relay of a message that requires real-time property is delayed and the real-time property is impaired. .

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and ensures the real-time property of a message to be periodically communicated even when a message that allows aperiodic communication is communicated. train communication systems that can be aimed at obtaining communication device to configure this.

The train communication system according to the present invention is a train communication system equipped with a communication device mounted for each vehicle. The period during which the communication device permits only communication of messages to be periodically communicated, is aperiodic. A communication cycle management unit that manages a communication cycle according to cycle information that divides the communication cycle into a period during which communication of a message that allows communication is permitted, a cycle start message, and an idle period during which only a message in the middle of communication is permitted. Communication is performed in the communication cycle managed by the communication cycle management unit , and the length of the idle period is the longest time required for message transmission between the communication devices.

  The train communication system according to the present invention is a train communication system equipped with a communication device mounted for each vehicle. The period during which the communication device permits only communication of messages to be periodically communicated, is aperiodic. A communication cycle management unit that manages a communication cycle according to cycle information that divides the communication cycle into a period during which communication of a message that allows communication is permitted, a cycle start message, and an idle period during which only a message in the middle of communication is permitted. The communication device includes a relay device that performs communication in the communication cycle managed by the communication cycle management unit and is mounted on at least one of the vehicles for each train and relays communication between the communication devices, and the relay device communicates periodically. The period during which only non-periodic communication is permitted, the period during which only non-periodic communication is permitted, A communication cycle management unit that manages a communication cycle according to cycle information that divides the communication cycle during an idle period that allows communication of only a message that is in the middle of communication and a message in the middle of communication, and communicates in a communication cycle managed by the communication cycle management unit The communication between devices is relayed, and the length of the idle period is the time required to transmit a message between adjacent relay devices and the message transmission between the directly connected relay device and the communication device. Of the time required, the time is larger than the larger one.

  The train communication system according to the present invention is a train communication system equipped with a communication device mounted for each vehicle. The period during which the communication device permits only communication of messages to be periodically communicated, is aperiodic. A communication cycle management unit that manages a communication cycle according to cycle information that divides the communication cycle into a period during which communication of a message that allows communication is permitted, a cycle start message, and an idle period during which only a message in the middle of communication is permitted. The communication device that performs communication in the communication cycle managed by the communication cycle management unit and operates as a transmission control station starts a cycle including cycle information with respect to the communication device that operates as a transmission dependent station at the start of the communication cycle. Sending a message and using the elapsed time measured from the start of the communication cycle as a reference The communication device that performs communication in the communication cycle and operates as a transmission dependent station starts communication in the communication cycle according to the cycle information of the cycle start message and receives the cycle start message at the time of receiving the cycle start message. Communication is performed in a communication cycle based on the elapsed time measured from the time.

  According to the present invention, communication is performed by dividing the communication cycle into communication allowable periods according to the communication period of the message, including a period during which only the communication of the message to be periodically transmitted is permitted. There is an effect that it is possible to eliminate a situation in which the real-time property of a message to be periodically communicated is impaired by a message that is allowed.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication system for trains by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the communication cycle in the communication system for trains in FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cycle start message according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the relay apparatus in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the relay control part in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle monitoring control apparatus in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the transmission control part in FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the operation of the train communication system according to the first embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement in case an aperiodic message delays transmission of a periodic message. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication system for trains by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the cycle start message by Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the communication state transition of the communication cycle management part of the vehicle monitoring control apparatus which is a transmission control station in the communication system for trains in FIG. It is a figure which shows the communication state transition of the communication cycle management part of the vehicle monitoring control apparatus which is a transmission dependent station in the communication system for trains in FIG. 10, and a relay apparatus. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of the operation | movement at the time of combination in the communication system for trains in FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of operation | movement at the time of a disconnection in the communication system for trains in FIG. It is a figure which shows the communication state transition of the communication cycle management part of the vehicle monitoring control apparatus which is a transmission control station in the communication system for trains by Embodiment 3 of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a communication state transition of a communication cycle management unit of a vehicle monitoring control device that is a transmission dependent station in a train communication system according to a third embodiment. 10 is a timing chart showing a flow of operations at the time of disconnection in a train communication system according to a third embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the communication cycle in the communication system for trains by Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the cycle start message by Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the relay control part of the relay apparatus by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other structure of the communication system for trains by this invention.

Hereinafter, in order to explain the present invention in more detail, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a train communication system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a description will be given by taking as an example a railway vehicle in which each vehicle 4a to 4f is knitted in units of two to form knitting 6a to 6c. The train communication system according to Embodiment 1 includes relay devices 1a to 1c and vehicle monitoring control devices (communication devices) 2a to 2f. The relay devices 1a to 1c are provided in the trains 6a to 6c, and relay the communication of the vehicle monitoring control devices 2a to 2f via the on-board network. The vehicle monitoring control devices 2a to 2f are mounted on the vehicles 4a to 4f and monitor and control the devices 3a to 3f. The devices 3a to 3f are vehicle devices mounted on the vehicles 4a to 4f.

  The relay device 1a is connected to the vehicle monitoring and control devices 2a and 2b in the train 6a via the train transmission lines 8a and 8b. Similarly, the relay device 1b is connected to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2c and 2d in the train set 6b via the in-train transmission paths 8c and 8d. The relay device 1c is connected to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2e and 2f in the train set 6c via the in-train transmission lines 8e and 8f. Furthermore, the relay apparatuses 1a and 1b are connected to each other via the inter-set transmission path 9a, and the relay apparatuses 1b and 1c are connected to each other via the inter-set transmission path 9b.

  In the train communication system according to the first embodiment, an on-vehicle network is configured in which information transmission is performed via the intra-composition transmission paths 8a to 8f and the inter-composition transmission paths 9a and 9b. In the example of FIG. 1, the vehicle monitoring control device 2a operates as a transmission control station, and the other vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f operate as transmission dependent stations.

  Here, communication through the on-vehicle network of the train communication system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication cycle in the train communication system in FIG. 1. A communication cycle is a unit of a communication pattern that is repeatedly performed in communication via an on-vehicle network. FIG. 2 shows a communication cycle N and the next communication cycle N + 1.

  In the first embodiment, the periodicity of data such that the real-time property of periodic data communication such as monitoring control data is not impaired by other data communication that does not require non-periodic real-time property is required. The communication cycle is specified accordingly. In the example shown in FIG. 2, in the communication cycle, an aperiodic communication prohibition period, an aperiodic communication permission period, and an idle period are defined. As a result, the communication via the on-vehicle network executed by the relay device or the vehicle monitoring and control device is a non-periodic communication prohibited state, an aperiodic communication permitted state, an idle state, or an aperiodic communication prohibited state as time elapses. ... State transition is made.

  In the non-periodic communication prohibition period, only communication of messages to be transmitted periodically is permitted, and transmission of messages that are transmitted aperiodically is prohibited. On the contrary, in the aperiodic communication permission period, transmission of a message that is transmitted aperiodically is permitted. In the aperiodic communication permission period, transmission of a message to be transmitted periodically may be prohibited, but priority control according to the periodicity of the message may be performed without prohibiting transmission. For example, a high priority is set for a message to be transmitted periodically, and a low priority is set for a message that is transmitted aperiodically, and communication control according to the priority is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the idle period is a margin period provided for the completion of reception of a message that has started transmission in a certain communication cycle N before the start of the next communication cycle N + 1. In the idle period, the start of message transmission is prohibited, but transmission is continued for messages that have already started transmission at this point and are now being transmitted.

  In addition, the length of the aperiodic communication prohibited period in each communication cycle is set so that the communication of the periodic messages transmitted from all the vehicle monitoring control devices 2a to 2f is completed within the aperiodic communication prohibited period. deep. This eliminates the need to prohibit periodic message communication in the non-periodic communication permission period. In the following description, it is assumed that periodic message communication is not prohibited during the non-periodic communication permission period.

  The vehicle monitoring control device 2a serving as a transmission control station manages information defining the length of the communication cycle, the non-periodic communication prohibition period, and the non-periodic communication permission period. Moreover, the vehicle monitoring control apparatus 2a manages the start timing of a communication cycle using a timer. The management information regarding these communication cycles is collected as a cycle start message by the vehicle monitoring control device 2a.

  The vehicle monitoring control device 2a broadcasts the cycle start message to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f and the relay devices 1a to 1c that are transmission dependent stations. The relay apparatuses 1a to 1c and the vehicle monitoring control apparatuses 2b to 2f regard the reception of the cycle start message as the start of a communication cycle, and perform communication defined by the cycle start message.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of a cycle start message according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the cycle start message includes fields corresponding to a message identifier, a transmission source identifier, a cycle length, an aperiodic communication prohibited period length, and an aperiodic communication permitted period length. Hereinafter, information such as a transmission source identifier, a cycle length, an aperiodic communication prohibition period length, and an aperiodic communication permission period length is collectively referred to as cycle information. The relay devices 1a to 1c and the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f perform communication via the on-vehicle network according to the cycle information read from the cycle start message.

  Note that the cycle start message may include data other than the above as cycle information. For example, when the vehicle monitoring control device 2a serving as a transmission control station is connected to a driver's cab operated by a driver, the cycle information as described above is stored in a message header, and the vehicle body of each vehicle is stored in the message body. You may make it store the command data to an apparatus.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the relay apparatus in FIG. 1, and the relay apparatuses 1 a to 1 c are collectively referred to as the relay apparatus 1. In FIG. 4, the relay apparatus 1 includes a relay control unit 11, a switching hub 17, an intra-composition transmission path interface 18, and inter-composition transmission path interfaces 19a and 19b. The relay control unit 11 is connected to the transmission path interfaces 18, 19a, 19b, and relays a message sent via any one of the transmission path interfaces to another transmission path interface. For example, a message sent via the inter-set transmission path interface 19a is relayed to the intra-set transmission path interface 18 and the inter-set transmission path interface 19b.

  One inter-compartment transmission line interface 19a, 19b is provided for each inter-compartment transmission line between relay apparatuses of each composition. For example, the inter-set transmission line interface 19a in the relay apparatus 1b of the set 6b is connected to the inter-set transmission line 9a connected to the relay apparatus 1a of the set 6a, and the inter-set transmission line interface 19b is connected to the relay apparatus 1c of the set 6c. Connect to the inter-knitting transmission line 9c. The intra-composition transmission path interface 18 is provided for each relay apparatus 1 and connected to the switching hub 17.

  The switching hub 17 is connected to a vehicle monitoring control device provided in each vehicle in the train via the in-composition transmission path. For example, the switching hub 17 in the relay device 1a in the train 6a is connected so as to bundle the intra-composition transmission paths 8a and 8b connected to the vehicle monitoring and control devices 2a and 2b provided in the vehicles 4a and 4b, respectively. Communication between the vehicle monitoring control devices in the train is performed via the switching hub 17 without using the relay control unit 11.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the relay control unit in FIG. 5, the relay control unit 11 includes a communication cycle management unit 111, a cycle start message determination unit 112, a relay destination determination unit 113, message type determination units 114a to 114c, transmission message selection units 115a to 115c, and periodic message queues 116a to 116a. 116c, and aperiodic message queues 117a to 117c. The communication cycle management unit 111 includes a cycle information storage unit 118.

  The communication cycle management unit 111 manages a communication cycle state (aperiodic communication prohibited state, aperiodic communication permitted state, idle state) using a timer (not shown). For example, when communication is performed in the communication cycle illustrated in FIG. 2, the communication cycle management unit 111 starts a timer when the cycle start message is received, and shifts to an aperiodic communication prohibited state.

  The cycle information storage unit 118 stores the cycle information read from the cycle start message by the cycle start message determination unit 112. Based on the contents of the cycle information read from the cycle information storage unit 118, the communication cycle management unit 111 grasps the lengths of the non-periodic communication prohibition period and the non-periodic communication permission period. The state of the communication cycle such as the aperiodic communication permission state and the idle state is changed from the periodic communication prohibition state.

  Messages received via the intra-composition transmission path interface 18 and the inter-composition transmission path interfaces 19a and 19b are input to the cycle start message determination unit 112. The cycle start message determination unit 112 determines whether or not the input message is a cycle start message. When the cycle start message determination unit 112 determines that the input message is a cycle start message, the cycle start message determination unit 112 reads the cycle information included in the cycle start message and notifies the communication cycle management unit 111 of the read cycle information. Note that the message that has passed through the cycle start message determination unit 112 is sent to the relay destination determination unit 113 regardless of whether or not it is a cycle start message.

  The relay destination determination unit 113 reads the destination address information from the message input from the cycle start message determination unit 112, and distributes the message to the message type determination units 114a to 114c corresponding to an appropriate transmission path interface based on the destination address information.

  The message type determination units 114a to 114c should transmit the message input via the relay destination determination unit 113 periodically (message that requires real-time property) or aperiodically. It is determined whether the message is a message (a message for which real-time property is not required). Depending on the determination result, the message type determination units 114a to 114c distribute the messages input via the relay destination determination unit 113 to the periodic message queues 116a to 116c or the aperiodic message queues 117a to 117c.

  The transmission message selection units 115 a to 115 c receive notification of the current communication cycle state from the communication cycle management unit 111. As a result, the transmission message selection units 115a to 115c retrieve messages from the periodic message queues 116a to 116c or the aperiodic message queues 117a to 117c according to the current communication cycle state, and pass through the transmission path interfaces 18, 19a, and 19b. To send.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle monitoring control device in FIG. 1, and the vehicle monitoring control devices 2 a to 2 f are collectively referred to as the vehicle monitoring control device 2. In FIG. 6, the vehicle monitoring control device 2 includes a transmission control unit 21, a monitoring record management unit 22, a device monitoring control unit 23, a periodic message processing unit 26, an aperiodic message processing unit 27, and an intra-composition transmission path interface 28.

  The transmission control unit 21 inputs a message received via the intra-composition transmission path interface 28, and determines the type of the message (a message to be transmitted periodically or a message to be transmitted aperiodically). In accordance with the message type of the determination result, the transmission control unit 21 transmits the input message to the periodic message processing unit 26 or the aperiodic message processing unit 27. On the contrary, the transmission control unit 21 transmits the message received via the periodic message processing unit 26 or the non-periodic message processing unit 27 to the relay device 1 via the intra-composition transmission path interface 28.

  The monitoring record management unit 22 stores and manages various monitoring results of the vehicle equipment by the device monitoring control unit 23 as vehicle monitoring record information in an internal memory (not shown). The device monitoring control unit 23 is connected to the vehicle devices (devices 3a to 3f) to be monitored and controlled, and performs monitoring control of the vehicle devices.

  The periodic message processing unit 26 transmits the monitoring control data regarding the vehicle equipment of the host vehicle obtained by the equipment monitoring control unit 23 as a message to the relay device 1 via the transmission control unit 21 and the in-composition transmission path interface 28. Further, the periodic message processing unit 26 extracts monitoring control data related to the vehicle equipment of the other vehicle from the message received via the transmission control unit 21 and sets it in the equipment monitoring control unit 23. A message for transmitting monitoring control related information including monitoring control data is created for each predetermined communication cycle corresponding to the control cycle.

  The aperiodic message processing unit 27 transmits the vehicle monitoring record information read from the monitoring record management unit 22 as a message to the relay device 1 via the transmission control unit 21 and the in-composition transmission path interface 28. Further, the aperiodic message processing unit 27 extracts the vehicle monitoring record information related to the vehicle equipment of the other vehicle from the message received via the transmission control unit 21 and sets it in the monitoring record management unit 22. The message for transmitting the vehicle monitoring record information is generated aperiodically in response to an instruction from a driver's cab (not shown) or the like.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transmission control unit 21 in FIG. 6, and also describes the periodic message processing unit 26, the aperiodic message processing unit 27, and the intra-composition transmission path interface 28 that are the configuration of the connection destination. Yes. 7, the transmission control unit 21 includes a communication cycle management unit 211, a cycle start message determination unit 212, a message type determination unit 214, a transmission message selection unit 215, a periodic message buffer 216, and an aperiodic message queue 217. Further, the communication cycle management unit 211 includes a cycle information storage unit 218.

  The communication cycle management unit 211 manages a communication cycle state (aperiodic communication prohibited state, aperiodic communication permitted state, idle state) using a timer (not shown). The processing by the communication cycle management unit 211 differs depending on whether the vehicle monitoring control device 2 is a transmission control station or a transmission dependent station.

First, the communication cycle management unit 211 mounted in the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that operates as a transmission control station will be described.
The communication cycle management unit 211 manages the start timing of the communication cycle using a timer (not shown). For example, when communication is performed in the communication cycle illustrated in FIG. 2, the communication cycle management unit 211 starts a timer at the start of the communication cycle and shifts to an aperiodic communication prohibited state. At this time, the communication cycle management unit 211 starts a cycle for the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f and the relay devices 1a to 1c operating as transmission dependent stations via the transmission message selection unit 215 and the intra-composition transmission path interface 28. Broadcast a message.

  The cycle information storage unit 218 stores cycle information in advance. The communication cycle management unit 211 reads cycle information from the cycle information storage unit 218 and creates a cycle start message including this cycle information. When the communication cycle is started, the state of the communication cycle such as the non-periodic communication permission state and the idle state transitions from the non-periodic communication prohibited state over time based on the contents of the cycle information.

Next, the communication cycle management unit 211 mounted in the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that operates as a transmission dependent station will be described.
The communication cycle management unit 211 starts a timer when a cycle start message is received, and shifts to an aperiodic communication prohibited state. The cycle information storage unit 218 stores the cycle information read from the cycle start message by the cycle start message determination unit 212. The communication cycle management unit 211 grasps the lengths of the non-periodic communication prohibition period and the non-periodic communication permission period based on the contents of the cycle information read from the cycle information storage unit 218. The state of the communication cycle such as the aperiodic communication permission state and the idle state is changed from the periodic communication prohibition state.

  The message received via the intra-composition transmission path interface 28 is input to the cycle start message determination unit 212. The cycle start message determination unit 212 determines whether or not the input message is a cycle start message. When the input message is a cycle start message, the cycle start message determination unit 212 reads cycle information included in the cycle start message and notifies the communication cycle management unit 211 of the read cycle information. Note that the message that has passed through the cycle start message determination unit 212 is sent to the message type determination unit 214 regardless of whether or not it is a cycle start message.

  The message type determination unit 214 determines whether the message input via the cycle start message determination unit 212 is a message to be transmitted periodically (message that requires real-time property) or a message to be transmitted aperiodically. It is determined whether the message is a message that does not require real-time property. Depending on the determination result, the message type determination unit 214 distributes the message input via the cycle start message determination unit 212 to the periodic message processing unit 26 or the aperiodic message processing unit 27.

  The periodic message buffer 216 stores the message created by the periodic message processing unit 26. The aperiodic message queue 217 stores messages created by the aperiodic message processing unit 27. The transmission message selection unit 215 extracts a message from the periodic message buffer 216 or the aperiodic message queue 217 according to the current communication cycle state managed by the communication cycle management unit 211 and relays the message via the intra-composition transmission path interface 28. Transmit to device 1.

  Since message generation by the aperiodic message processing unit 27 and message transmission by the transmission message selection unit 215 are performed asynchronously, an aperiodic message queue 217 is provided between them. On the other hand, the message creation by the periodic message processing unit 26 and the message transmission by the transmission message selection unit 215 are also asynchronously performed, but a buffer for storing only a single message is provided between the two, not a queue. .

  The message created by the periodic message processing unit 26 conveys monitoring control related information generated according to the control period, and is a message to be transmitted periodically. In this case, it is more important to dispose of the old information and transmit the latest information in a timely manner, rather than transmitting the old information that has lost real-time performance without omission. As a result, the periodic message buffer 216 that stores only a single message is arranged in the subsequent stage of the periodic message processing unit 26. If it is not necessary to consider such message characteristics, a queue may be arranged after the periodic message processing unit 26.

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the operation of the train communication system according to the first embodiment, and shows a message transmission / reception state via the transmission line interface by the relay apparatuses 1a to 1c and the vehicle monitoring control apparatuses 2a to 2f. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents the time axis, and the rectangles arranged on the time axis indicate messages transmitted and received between the devices. For example, a message arranged on the transmission side on the time axis is a transmission message, and a message arranged on the reception side is a reception message. The length of the rectangle in the time axis direction represents the time spent for sending and receiving messages. In the following description, only the transmission channel occupation time based on the transmission rate of the transmission channel is considered, and the processing delay in each device and the propagation delay of the transmission channel are ignored. Note that the description of the timing chart in FIG. 8 is the same in the timing charts described in FIG.

  The vehicle monitoring control device 2a, which is a transmission control station, periodically repeats a communication cycle using a timer, and broadcasts a cycle start message 500a to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f and the relay devices 1a to 1c at the start of the cycle. To do. The broadcast cycle start message 500a is transmitted to the vehicle monitoring control device 2b via the relay device 1a, from the relay device 1a to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2c and 2d via the relay device 1b, and further from the relay device 1b to the relay device 1c. It is sent to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2e and 2f.

  Subsequently, the vehicle monitoring control device 2a sends messages to be periodically communicated (hereinafter referred to as periodic messages) (not shown) including the monitoring control data of the own vehicle to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f and the relay device 1a. Broadcast to ~ 1c. When the relay devices 1a to 1c and the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f receive the cycle start message 500a broadcast from the vehicle monitoring control device 2a, the relay devices 1a to 1c start the communication cycle based on the contents of the cycle information read from the cycle start message 500a. To do.

  Note that the broadcast of the cycle start message 500a differs in the time at which the cycle start message 500a arrives at each node corresponding to the relay devices 1a to 1c and the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f, depending on the delay associated with the store-and-forward method. . For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the start time of the communication cycle corresponding to the cycle start message 500a differs for each node. At this time, the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f broadcast a periodic message (not shown) including the monitoring control data of the own vehicle.

  When the relay devices 1a to 1c and the vehicle monitoring and control devices 2b to 2f start the communication cycle, the timers are used to monitor the passage of time from the start of the cycle, and the aperiodic communication prohibition period, the aperiodic communication permission period, the idle period, The state of the communication cycle is changed (see cycle N in FIG. 8). As described above, since the time at which the cycle start message 500a arrives at each node is different, as shown in FIG. 8, at each node, the aperiodic communication prohibition period, the aperiodic communication permission period, and the idle period start / end The time is different.

  Here, at time T1, the monitoring record management unit 22 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2e attempts to transmit a message (hereinafter referred to as an aperiodic message) communicated aperiodically toward the vehicle monitoring control device 2a. Think about the case. The aperiodic message processing unit 27 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2e creates an aperiodic message 700e and stores it in the aperiodic message queue 217. In the vehicle monitoring control device 2e, the time T1 is within the non-periodic communication prohibition period of the communication cycle N. For this reason, the transmission message selection unit 215 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2e leaves the message in the aperiodic message queue 217 as it is.

  Thereafter, when the period shifts to the aperiodic communication permission period of the communication cycle N at time T2, the transmission message selection unit 215 takes out the aperiodic message 700e stored in the aperiodic message queue 217 and sets the intra-composition transmission path interface 28 to A non-periodic message 700e (indicated by a rectangle with a symbol N in FIG. 8) is transmitted. The reception of the aperiodic message 700e by the intra-composition transmission path interface 18 of the relay apparatus 1c is completed at the time T3 because it passes through the switching hub 17.

  The aperiodic message 700e received by the relay device 1c is output to the message type determination unit 114a via the cycle start message determination unit 112 and the relay destination determination unit 113 in the relay device 1c. When the message type determination unit 114a determines that the input message is the aperiodic message 700e, the message type determination unit 114a stores the aperiodic message 700e in the aperiodic message queue 117a. In the relay device 1c, since the time T3 is the aperiodic communication permission period, the transmission message selection unit 115a immediately takes out the aperiodic message 700e from the aperiodic message queue 117a and transmits it through the inter-set transmission path interface 19a.

  The relay device 1b receives the aperiodic message 700e from the relay device 1c via the inter-set transmission path interface 19b, and completes reception at time T4. Thereafter, the same processing as the relay device 1c described above is performed, and the relay device 1b stores the aperiodic message 700e in the internal aperiodic message queue 117a. In the relay device 1b, at time T4, the aperiodic communication permission period ends and the period transitions to the idle period. For this reason, the aperiodic message 700e is held in the aperiodic message queue 117a until the aperiodic communication permission period of the next communication cycle N + 1 is entered.

  The vehicle monitoring control device 2a serving as a transmission control station broadcasts a cycle start message 500b regarding the next communication cycle N + 1 to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f and the relay devices 1a to 1c. Thereby, the communication cycle N + 1 is started. When vehicle monitoring control device 2c receives cycle start message 500b at time T5, vehicle monitoring control device 2c starts communication cycle N + 1 based on the contents of the cycle information extracted from cycle start message 500b.

  Subsequently, the vehicle monitoring control device 2c broadcasts a periodic message 600c (indicated by a rectangle with a symbol C in FIG. 8) including the monitoring control data of the own vehicle. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the flow until the periodic message 600c is received by the vehicle monitoring control device 2a via the relay devices 1a and 1b is shown, and the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b and 2d to 2f are shown. The description of the flow is omitted.

  In the relay device 1b, the aperiodic message 700e has arrived before the periodic message 600c arrives. At this time, since the relay device 1b is in the aperiodic communication prohibition period in the communication cycle N + 1, the aperiodic message 700e remains stored in the aperiodic message queue 117a.

  On the other hand, the periodic message 600c is immediately read from the periodic message queue 116a by the transmission message selection unit 115a and transmitted to the relay device 1a via the inter-set transmission path interface 19a and the inter-set transmission path 9a. As described above, the relay device 1b can transmit the periodic message 600c without being delayed by the transmission processing of the aperiodic message 700e.

  When time elapses and time T7 is reached, the relay device 1b shifts to the aperiodic communication permission period. Thereby, the transmission message selection unit 115a of the relay apparatus 1b reads the aperiodic message 700e from the aperiodic message queue 117a, and transmits it to the relay apparatus 1a via the inter-set transmission path interface 19a and the inter-set transmission path 9a.

Next, in the train communication system according to the first embodiment, only the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that is a message generation source performs communication in a communication cycle based on cycle information, and the relay device 1 performs communication in the communication cycle. The operation when there is no such will be described.
FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an operation when the aperiodic message delays the transmission of the periodic message by only the vehicle monitoring control device communicating in the communication cycle based on the cycle information. FIG. 9 shows an operation example for comparison with the characteristic operation of the present invention shown in FIG. 8, and does not show the operation of the present invention.

  First, similarly to FIG. 8, the vehicle monitoring control device 2a, which is a transmission control station, periodically repeats a communication cycle using a timer, and starts a cycle for the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f and the relay devices 1a to 1c. At this point, the cycle start message 500a is broadcast.

  Subsequently, the vehicle monitoring control device 2a broadcasts a periodic message (not shown) including the monitoring control data of the own vehicle to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f and the relay devices 1a to 1c. When receiving the cycle start message 500a broadcast from the vehicle monitoring control device 2a, the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f start a communication cycle based on the contents of the cycle information read from the cycle start message 500a.

  When the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2f start the communication cycle, the time monitoring from the start of the cycle is monitored using a timer, and the state of the communication cycle such as the non-periodic communication prohibition period, the non-periodic communication permission period, and the idle period is displayed. Transition.

  Consider a case in which, at time T1, the monitoring record management unit 22 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2e attempts to transmit an aperiodic message communicated aperiodically toward the vehicle monitoring control device 2a. The aperiodic message processing unit 27 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2e creates an aperiodic message 700e and stores it in the aperiodic message queue 217. At this time, since the time T1 is within the aperiodic communication prohibition period of the communication cycle N, the transmission message selection unit 215 leaves the message in the aperiodic message queue 217 as it is.

  When the aperiodic communication permission period of the communication cycle N starts at time T2, the transmission message selection unit 215 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2e takes out the aperiodic message 700e stored in the aperiodic message queue 217, and transmits the in-composition transmission path. An aperiodic message 700e is transmitted through the interface 28. The reception of the non-periodic message 700e by the intra-composition transmission line interface 18 of the relay apparatus 1c is completed at time T3 because it passes through the switching hub 17.

  The relay device 1c stores the aperiodic message 700e received via the intra-composition transmission path 8e in the aperiodic message queue 117a. Unlike FIG. 8, in FIG. 9, the relay device 1c does not communicate in a communication cycle based on the contents of the cycle information of the cycle start message. Therefore, the transmission message selection unit 115a of the relay device 1c immediately takes out the aperiodic message 700e from the aperiodic message queue 117a and transmits it through the inter-set transmission path interface 19a.

  The relay apparatus 1b receives the aperiodic message 700e from the relay apparatus 1c via the inter-set transmission path interface 19b and the inter-set transmission path 9b, and completes reception at time T4. Unlike FIG. 8, in FIG. 9, the relay apparatus 1b does not communicate in a communication cycle based on the contents of the cycle information of the cycle start message. Therefore, the relay device 1b immediately transmits the received aperiodic message 700e to the relay device 1a via the inter-set transmission path interface 19a and the inter-set transmission path 9a.

  The relay device 1a completes reception of the aperiodic message 700e from the relay device 1b via the inter-set transmission path interface 19b at time T51. Similarly, since the relay apparatus 1a does not communicate in the communication cycle based on the cycle information content of the cycle start message, the vehicle monitoring control of the received aperiodic message 700e is immediately performed via the intra-composition transmission path interface 18 and the inter-composition transmission path 8a. Transmit to device 2a.

  Similarly to FIG. 8, at time T5, the vehicle monitoring control device 2c starts transmission of the periodic message 600c. The relay device 1a receives the periodic message 600c transmitted via the relay device 1b at the time T6 via the inter-set transmission path interface 19b. At this time, the relay apparatus 1a starts transmission of the aperiodic message 700e at time T51, and the intra-composition transmission line interface 18 is occupied by transmission of the aperiodic message 700e. For this reason, the relay apparatus 1a cannot transmit the periodic message 600c until time T61 when the transmission of the non-periodic message 700e is completed. Thereby, transmission of the periodic message 600c is delayed in the relay apparatus 1a.

  Such a delay due to a message already occupying a transmission path cannot be avoided only by priority transmission control using a priority-specific queue as in the prior art. That is, when the vehicle monitoring control device 2 communicates in a communication cycle based on the contents of the cycle information, the relay device 1 also has a sufficiently large idle period so as to avoid contention between the periodic message and the non-periodic message. It is necessary to provide. In the example of FIG. 9, the end time of the idle period of the communication cycle N, that is, the start time of the next communication cycle N + 1 must be at least after time T61 when the transmission of the aperiodic message 700e is completed.

  The idle period needs to be a time length that can completely eliminate the contention between the periodic message and the aperiodic message as described above. For example, the idle period must be longer than the worst value of the time required for message transmission from one vehicle monitoring control device 1 to another vehicle monitoring control device 1. As the worst value, in the train communication system, it is conceivable that time is included in the communication between the most distant vehicle monitoring and control devices and includes a delay that occurs due to competition with other aperiodic messages in the middle of communication.

  In contrast, in the train communication system according to the first embodiment, the relay apparatus 1 also performs communication in a communication cycle based on the contents of the cycle information. At this time, whichever is longer, the time required to transmit a message between adjacent relay devices 1 or the time required to transmit a message between the directly connected relay device 1 and the vehicle monitoring control device 2 The time longer than that is set as the idle period. By doing so, contention between the periodic message and the non-periodic message can be eliminated, and the utilization efficiency of the transmission path can be improved as compared with the case shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the relay apparatus 1 and the vehicle monitoring control apparatus 2 allow communication according to the communication cycle of the message including the period during which only the communication of the message to be periodically communicated is permitted. Communication cycle management units 111 and 211 that manage communication cycles according to cycle information that classifies communication cycles in a period, and communicate in communication cycles managed by the communication cycle management units 111 and 211.
Further, in this configuration, the vehicle monitoring control device 2 operating as a transmission control station starts a cycle including cycle information with respect to the vehicle monitoring control device 2 operating as a relay device 1 and a transmission dependent station at the start of a communication cycle. The vehicle monitoring control device 2 that transmits the message and communicates in the communication cycle with reference to the elapsed time measured from the start time of the communication cycle, and operates as the relay device 1 and the transmission slave station, receives the cycle start message. The communication in the communication cycle according to the cycle information of the cycle start message is started, and the communication is performed in the communication cycle based on the elapsed time measured from the reception time of the cycle start message.
In these configurations, an aperiodic communication prohibition period that permits communication of only messages that should be transmitted periodically, an aperiodic communication permission period that permits communication of messages that allow aperiodic communication, a cycle start message, and a communication in progress Cycle information that divides the communication cycle is used in an idle period in which communication of only the message is permitted. With this configuration, it is possible to eliminate a situation in which the real-time property of a message to be periodically communicated is impaired by a message that allows aperiodic communication.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the relay device 1 relays the communication between the vehicle monitoring control devices 2 in the communication cycle managed according to the cycle information, so that the same effect as described above is obtained. be able to. Further, when relaying communication between the vehicle monitoring control devices 2, the reception of the message started to be transmitted in a certain communication cycle is completed by the nearest relay device or destination vehicle monitoring control device in the middle of the transmission path. By adjusting the length of the idle period so that the communication cycle is not started, the competition between the periodic message and the non-periodic message can be eliminated, and the utilization efficiency of the transmission path can be improved.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a train communication system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 10, a description will be given by taking as an example a railway vehicle in which the vehicles 4a to 4c constitute the formation 6d in units of three cars, and the vehicles 4d and 4e constitute the formation 6e in units of two cars. The train communication system according to the second embodiment includes relay devices 1a and 1b, vehicle monitoring control devices 2a to 2e, and automatic couplers 5a to 5d. The relay devices 1a and 1b are provided in the trains 6d and 6e, and relay the communication of the vehicle monitoring control devices 2a to 2e via the on-vehicle network. The vehicle monitoring control devices 2a to 2e are mounted on the vehicles 4a to 4e and monitor and control the devices 3a to 3e. The devices 3a to 3e are vehicle devices mounted on the vehicles 4a to 4e.

  The relay device 1a is connected to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2a to 2c in the train set 6d via the in-train transmission paths 8a to 8c. Similarly, the relay device 1b is connected to the vehicle monitoring and control devices 2d and 2e in the train 6e via the train transmission lines 8d and 8e. The relay device 1a is connected to the automatic coupler 5a and the inter-set transmission path 9a, and the relay device 1b is connected to the automatic coupler 5d and the inter-set transmission path 9b. The inter-knitting transmission line 9a is connected to the automatic coupler 5b, and the inter-knitting transmission line 9b is connected to the automatic coupler 5c.

  The automatic couplers 5a to 5d also connect the inter-knitting transmission path 9 when connecting the knitting vehicles. For example, the automatic couplers 5b and 5c join the vehicle 4 of the formation 6d and the vehicle of the formation 6e, and connect the transmission lines 9a and 9b between the formations. That is, the inter-knitting transmission lines 9a and 9b are opened / closed by the simultaneous coupling of the automatic couplers 5b and 5c. In addition, the knitting 6f is formed by knitting the knitting 6d and the knitting 6e with automatic couplers 5b and 5c.

In the second embodiment, it is assumed that when a train is started, combined, and disconnected, only one transmission control station is determined within a finite time within the train. In the second embodiment, a method for determining a transmission control station (a method for establishing a transmission control station) itself is not limited to a specific method. For example, the method disclosed in Reference 1 may be used.
Reference 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-46881

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a structure of a cycle start message according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 11, the cycle start message is composed of fields corresponding to a message identifier, a transmission source identifier, a transmission control station change flag, a cycle length, an aperiodic communication prohibition period length, and an aperiodic communication permission period length.

  In the second embodiment, a transmission source identifier, a transmission control station change flag, a cycle length, an aperiodic communication prohibition period length, and an aperiodic communication permission period length are collectively referred to as cycle information. The transmission control station change flag is set when the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that is a transmission control station shifts to a transmission subordinate station in conjunction with the train linking.

Next, the operation will be described.
(1) Operation by Communication Cycle Management Unit in Control Station Mode FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a communication state transition of the communication cycle management unit of the vehicle monitoring control device which is a transmission control station in the train communication system in FIG. In addition, the structure of the vehicle monitoring control apparatuses 2a-2e by Embodiment 2 is fundamentally the same as FIGS. 4-7 shown in the said Embodiment 1. FIG.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the communication cycle management unit 211 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that is a transmission control station will be described in detail using FIG. 12 and FIGS. 6 and 7 shown in the first embodiment. Also, in FIG. 12, the communication cycle management unit 211 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that is a transmission control station has an operation mode of the control station mode, and the communication cycle of the relay device 1 and the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that are transmission dependent stations. The management units 111 and 211 assume that the operation mode is the dependent station mode.

  First, the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode starts a timer at the start of the communication cycle and does not set the transmission control station change flag, and selects a transmission message to the communication cycle management unit 211 in the dependent station mode. The cycle start message is broadcast via the unit 215 and the intra-composition transmission path interface 28. Thereby, the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode shifts to the aperiodic communication prohibited state ST11 (transition TR11).

  When the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode starts a communication cycle and a non-periodic communication prohibition period (a certain time) based on the contents of the cycle information has elapsed, the communication cycle management unit 211 changes from the non-periodic communication prohibition state ST11 to the non-periodic communication permission state ST12. (Transition TR12). Further, when the aperiodic communication permission period (fixed time) elapses, the communication cycle management unit 211 transitions from the aperiodic communication permission state ST12 to the idle state ST13 (transition TR13).

  When a transition is made to a state in which the idle period (fixed time) has passed (transition TR14), the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode does not set the transmission control station change flag, and the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the dependent station mode. On the other hand, a cycle start message relating to the next communication cycle is broadcast via the transmission message selection unit 215 and the intra-composition transmission path interface 28. Thereby, the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode shifts to the aperiodic communication prohibited state ST11 (transition TR15).

  On the other hand, if it is supposed to shift to a transmission subordinate station along with the merging / disconnecting of the train by the time the idle period elapses, the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode sends a cycle start message regarding the next communication cycle. Set the transmission control station change flag in the cycle information.

  Thereafter, the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode sets the transmission control station change flag to the communication cycle management unit 211 in the dependent station mode via the transmission message selection unit 215 and the intra-composition transmission path interface 28. Broadcast a cycle start message. As a result, the vehicle monitoring control device 2 which is a transmission control station shifts to a transmission dependent station (dependent station mode) (transition TR2).

(2) Operation by Communication Cycle Management Unit in Dependent Station Mode FIG. 13 is a diagram showing communication state transitions of the vehicle monitoring control device and the relay cycle communication cycle management unit which are transmission dependent stations in the train communication system in FIG. It is. Note that the configurations of the relay devices 1a and 1b and the vehicle monitoring control devices 2a to 2e according to the second embodiment are basically the same as those shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 described in the first embodiment. The dependent station mode includes a normal mode that manages a communication cycle according to a cycle start message from a transmission control station, and an autonomous mode that manages a communication cycle based on its own timer.

  The communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the dependent station mode immediately enter the autonomous mode after starting and start the timer. At the same time, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the dependent station mode start an aperiodic communication prohibition period based on the contents of the cycle information stored in advance, and enter an aperiodic communication prohibition state ST211 (transition TR211).

  When the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the autonomous mode start a communication cycle and a non-periodic communication prohibition period (a certain period of time) based on the contents of the cycle information has elapsed, the non-periodic communication permission state starts from the non-periodic communication prohibition state ST211. Transition to ST212 (transition TR212). Further, when the aperiodic communication permission period (fixed time) elapses, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 transition from the aperiodic communication permission state ST212 to the idle state ST213 (transition TR213). Subsequently, when the start time of the next communication cycle is reached, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the autonomous mode shift to the aperiodic communication prohibited state ST211 (transition TR214).

  In the autonomous mode, the stored content of the transmission source identifier of the cycle start message is empty. When receiving the cycle start message in the autonomous mode, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 store the transmission source identifier in the cycle start message in the cycle information storage units 118 and 218 and transition to the normal mode (transition TR21). .

  The communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the normal mode start a timer when a cycle start message is received. Thereby, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the normal mode start the aperiodic communication prohibition period based on the content of the cycle information of the cycle start message, and enter the aperiodic communication prohibition state ST221 (transition TR221).

  When the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the normal mode start the communication cycle and a non-periodic communication prohibition period (a predetermined time) based on the contents of the cycle information has elapsed, the non-periodic communication permission state is started from the non-periodic communication prohibition state ST221. Transition to ST222 (transition TR222). Further, when the aperiodic communication permission period (fixed time) elapses, the communication cycle managers 111 and 211 transition from the aperiodic communication permission state ST222 to the idle state ST223 (transition TR223).

  When the cycle start message is not received for a certain period in the idle state ST223 (transition TR229), the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 delete the contents of the transmission source identifier stored in the cycle information storage units 118 and 218 and transition to the autonomous mode. (Transition TR22).

  On the other hand, when the cycle start message is received in the idle state ST223 (transition TR224), the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 receive the source identifier of the received cycle start message and the source identifier read from the cycle information storage units 118 and 218. Compare the contents of. At this time, when the contents of the two transmission source identifiers do not match, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 transition to the idle state ST223 (transition TR228).

  When the contents of both transmission source identifiers match (transition TR225), the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 show cycle information when the transmission control station change flag of the cycle start message is set (transition TR227). The contents of the transmission source identifier stored in the storage units 118 and 218 are deleted, and the mode changes to the autonomous mode (transition TR22).

  In the transition TR225, if the transmission control station change flag of the cycle start message is not set, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 receive a cycle start message related to the next communication cycle from the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that is the transmission control station, and Therefore, the timer is reset and the state transits to the aperiodic communication prohibited state ST221 (transition TR226).

(3) Operation at the time of merging FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing the flow of operation at the time of merging in the train communication system in FIG. 10, and the train 6d in which the vehicle monitoring control device 2a is a transmission control station, and vehicle monitoring A case is shown in which the control device 2e is connected to the train 6e which is a transmission control station.
In the train 6d, the vehicle monitoring control device 2a, which is a transmission control station, sends a cycle start message 500a to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b and 2c and the relay device 1a at the start of the communication cycle N (in FIG. 14, a black rectangle). Broadcast). Subsequently, the vehicle monitoring control device 2a broadcasts a periodic message 600a including the monitoring control data of the host vehicle 4a to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b and 2c and the relay device 1a.

  The broadcast cycle start message 500a and periodic message 600a are sent to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b and 2c via the relay device 1a. Upon receiving the cycle start message 500a, the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b and 2c broadcast periodic messages 600b and 600c including the monitoring control data of the vehicles 4b and 4c, respectively, via the intra-composition transmission paths 8b and 8c. Thereby, the vehicle monitoring control device 2b receives the periodic messages 600a and 600c, and the vehicle monitoring control device 2c receives the periodic messages 600a and 600b.

  Similarly, in the train 6e, the vehicle monitoring control device 2e, which is a transmission control station, sends a cycle start message 500e (white rectangle in FIG. 14) to the vehicle monitoring control device 2d and the relay device 1b at the start of the communication cycle M. Broadcast). Subsequently, the vehicle monitoring control device 2e broadcasts a periodic message 600e including the monitoring control data of the host vehicle 4e to the vehicle monitoring control device 2d and the relay device 1b.

  The broadcast cycle start message 500e and periodic message 600e are sent to the vehicle monitoring control device 2d via the relay device 1b. When the vehicle monitoring control device 2d receives the cycle start message 500e, the vehicle monitoring control device 2d regards the reception point of the cycle start message 500e as the start timing of the communication cycle and starts a timer. Subsequently, the vehicle monitoring control device 2d broadcasts a periodic message 600d including monitoring control data of the vehicle 4d via the intra-composition transmission paths 8d and 8e. Thereby, the vehicle monitoring control device 2d receives the periodic message 600e, and the vehicle monitoring control device 2e receives the periodic message 600d.

  Consider a case where the formations 6d and 6e are combined at time T1. In this case, the inter-composition transmission paths 9a and 9b are connected by the automatic couplers 5b and 5c, and the messages in the knitting of the mating partner flow into the self-organized on-vehicle network. At this time, the communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay device 1b stores in the cycle information storage unit 118 the transmission source identifier (identifier that identifies the vehicle monitoring control device 2e) of the currently dependent cycle start message 500e.

  On the other hand, when the communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay apparatus 1b receives the cycle start message 500a from the train 6d at the time T2 via the inter-set transmission lines 9a and 9b and the automatic couplers 5b and 5c, the cycle start message 500a The transmission source identifier (identifier that identifies the vehicle monitoring control device 2a) is compared with the content of the transmission source identifier currently stored in the cycle information storage unit 118. Here, since the transmission source identifier for specifying the vehicle monitoring control device 2e is stored in the cycle information storage unit 118, the contents of the two transmission source identifiers are different. For this reason, the communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay apparatus 1b does not regard the reception of the cycle start message 500a as the cycle start.

  The cycle start message 500e transmitted from the vehicle monitoring control device 2e at time T3 is received by the relay device 1b at time T4. The communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay device 1b compares the transmission source identifier of the cycle start message 500e received at time T4 with the content of the transmission source identifier currently stored in the cycle information storage unit 118. Here, since it matches the content of the transmission source identifier currently stored in the cycle information storage unit 118, the communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay apparatus 1b manages the communication cycle M + 1 according to the content of the cycle information of the cycle start message 500e. To do.

  It is assumed that the vehicle monitoring control device 2a is established as a transmission control station of the combined train 6f at time T6. At this time, the vehicle monitoring control device 2e that was the transmission control station of the train 6e becomes a transmission dependent station. Therefore, at time T7, which is the start timing of the communication cycle that comes first after time T6 (end time of communication cycle M + 2), the vehicle monitoring control device 2e broadcasts a cycle start message 501e in which the transmission control station change flag is set. To do.

  The communication cycle management unit 211 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2d and the communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay device 1b, based on the transmission control station change flag of the cycle start message 501e received from the vehicle monitoring control device 2e, Is recognized as a transmission dependent station, and after starting the timer, the transmission source identifier of the cycle start message currently stored in the cycle information storage units 118 and 218 (identifier for identifying the vehicle monitoring control device 2e) Erase the contents. Thereafter, the communication cycle management unit 211 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2d and the communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay device 1b transition to the autonomous mode and manage the start timing of the communication cycle with their own timers.

  At time T9, the relay device 1b of the train 6e receives the cycle start message 500a from the vehicle monitoring control device 2a which is a new transmission control station after the combination. At this time, the communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay apparatus 1b does not store the content of the transmission source identifier of the cycle start message in the cycle information storage unit 118. Therefore, the communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay device 1b stores the content of the transmission source identifier of the cycle start message 500a in the cycle information storage unit 118, and regards the reception time of the cycle start message 500a as the start timing of the communication cycle. Start.

  Thereafter, the communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay device 1b manages the communication cycle 2 according to the cycle start message 500a from the vehicle monitoring control device 2a. Upon receiving the cycle start message 500a via relay by the relay device 1b at time T10, the vehicle monitoring control devices 2d and 2e store the contents of the transmission source identifier of the cycle start message 500a in the cycle information storage unit 218, and start the cycle The communication cycle 2 and later are managed according to the message 500a. In this way, a communication cycle is established in the entire train (train 6f) after the trains 6d and 6e are combined.

  Note that the relay device 1 relays messages from other trains in accordance with the communication cycle of the own train until the communication cycle of the entire train is established after the trains are combined. By doing so, the self-organization periodic message is not delayed due to the non-periodic message flowing in from the other organization.

(4) Operation at the time of disengagement FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the flow of operation at the time of disengagement in the train communication system in FIG. 10, and shows the case where the formation 6f is connected to the formations 6d and 6e. Yes. It is assumed that the transmission control station in the train 6f is the vehicle monitoring control device 2a, and the transmission control station is separated into the train 6d that is the vehicle monitoring control device 2a and the transmission control station is the train 6e that is the vehicle monitoring control device 2e. The

  First, in the train 6f, the vehicle monitoring control device 2a, which is a transmission control station, sends a cycle start message 500a to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2e and the relay devices 1a and 1b at the start of the communication cycle N (in FIG. 15, Broadcast (shown in black rectangles). Subsequently, the vehicle monitoring control device 2a broadcasts a periodic message 600a including the monitoring control data of the host vehicle 4a to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2e and the relay devices 1a and 1b.

  The broadcast cycle start message 500a and periodic message 600a are sent to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b and 2c via the relay device 1a, and sent to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2d and 2e via the relay devices 1a and 1b. When the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b, 2c, 2d, and 2e receive the cycle start message 500a, the vehicle monitoring and control devices 2b, 2c, 2d, and 2e regard the reception time of the cycle start message 500a as the communication cycle start timing, The time elapsed from the start of the cycle is measured while measuring the time of the communication permission period.

  Subsequently, the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b and 2c broadcast periodic messages 600b and 600c including monitoring control data of the vehicles 4b and 4c. Further, when the vehicle monitoring control devices 2d and 2e receive the cycle start message 500a, the vehicle monitoring control devices 2d and 2e broadcast periodic messages 600d and 600e including the monitoring control data of the vehicles 4d and 4e.

  Thereby, the vehicle monitoring control device 2b receives the periodic messages 600a, 600c, 600d, and 600e, and the vehicle monitoring control device 2c receives the periodic messages 600a, 600b, 600d, and 600e. Further, the vehicle monitoring control device 2d receives the periodic messages 600a, 600b, 600c, and 600e, and the vehicle monitoring control device 2e receives the periodic messages 600a, 600b, 600c, and 600d.

  When the train 6f is disconnected to the trains 6d and 6e at time T1, the train 6d continues communication in the communication cycle N according to the cycle start message 500a from the vehicle monitoring control device 2a. On the other hand, in the composition 6e, since the cycle start message 500a does not arrive, the idle state of the immediately preceding communication cycle N is continued.

  When a certain time t0 has elapsed from the start of the communication cycle N, the communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay device 1b in the train 6e and the communication cycle management unit 211 of the vehicle monitoring control devices 2d and 2e are stored in the cycle information storage units 118 and 218. The stored source identifier of the cycle start message (identifier that identifies the vehicle monitoring control device 2a) is deleted. Thereafter, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 change to the autonomous mode and manage the start timing of the communication cycle with their own timer.

  Thereafter, at time T6, the vehicle monitoring control device 2e is assumed to be established as a transmission control station for the train 6e. At this time, the vehicle monitoring control device 2e, which has become the transmission control station, manages the start timing of the communication cycle 1 using a timer, and the cycle at the start of the communication cycle 1 with respect to the vehicle monitoring control device 2d and the relay device 1b. A start message 500e (indicated by a white rectangle in FIG. 15) is broadcast.

  The broadcast cycle start message 500e is received by the relay device 1b and the vehicle monitoring control device 2d at time T7. At this time, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 of the relay device 1b and the vehicle monitoring control device 2d do not store the contents of the transmission source identifier of the cycle start message in the cycle information storage units 118 and 218.

  Therefore, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 of the relay device 1b and the vehicle monitoring control device 2d store the contents of the transmission source identifier of the cycle start message 500e in the cycle information storage units 118 and 218, and receive the cycle start message 500e. Is started as a communication cycle start timing. Thereafter, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 manage the start timing after the communication cycle 1 according to the cycle start message 500e.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the cycle information storage in which the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 of the relay device 1 and the vehicle monitoring control device 2 store the transmission source identifier indicating the transmission source of the cycle start message. Sections 118 and 218, manage communication cycles according to the cycle information of the cycle start message received from the transmission source of the transmission source identifier stored in the cycle information storage sections 118 and 218, and are stored in the cycle information storage sections 118 and 218. When the information indicating the change of the transmission control station is set in the cycle start message received from the transmission source that matches the transmission source identifier, or when the cycle start message is not received for a predetermined period, the cycle information storage unit 118 , 218 is deleted, and the source information is identified in the cycle information storage units 118, 218. From a new source to be stored until it receives the cycle start message, for managing the communication cycle according to the existing cycle information. By configuring in this way, even when the composition is jointly resolved, the real-time property of the periodic message can be ensured while performing communication of the aperiodic message that does not require real-time property.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the second embodiment, the initial state after transition between modes is prohibited from aperiodic communication in any of the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that is a transmission control station and the relay device 1 and vehicle monitoring control device 2 that are transmission dependent stations. The case is shown. In the third embodiment, a case where the initial state after transition between modes is set to the idle state will be described.

  The train communication system according to the third embodiment is basically the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 10 of the second embodiment. Moreover, the structure of the relay apparatus 1 and the vehicle monitoring control apparatus 2 of the communication system for trains is fundamentally the same as FIGS. 4-7 shown in the said Embodiment 1. FIG. The communication cycle management units 111 and 211 according to the third embodiment differ from the first and second embodiments in that the communication cycle is managed by shifting the communication cycle from the idle state.

Next, the operation will be described.
(1) Operation by Communication Cycle Management Unit in Control Station Mode FIG. 16 shows a communication state transition of the communication cycle management unit of the vehicle monitoring control device which is a transmission control station in a train communication system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. In addition, the structure of the vehicle monitoring control apparatuses 2a-2e by Embodiment 3 is fundamentally the same as FIGS. 4-7 shown in the said Embodiment 1. FIG.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the communication cycle management unit 211 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that is a transmission control station will be described in detail using FIG. 16 and FIGS. 6 and 7 shown in the first embodiment. In FIG. 16, the communication cycle management unit 211 of the vehicle monitoring control apparatus 2 that is a transmission control station has an operation mode of the control station mode, and the communication cycle of the relay apparatus 1 and the vehicle monitoring control apparatus 2 that are transmission dependent stations. The management units 111 and 211 assume that the operation mode is the dependent station mode.

  First, the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode starts a timer at the start of the communication cycle, and sets a transmission message to the communication cycle management unit 211 in the dependent station mode without setting the transmission control station change flag. The cycle start message is broadcast via the unit 215 and the intra-composition transmission path interface 28. Thereby, the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode shifts to the idle state ST13 (transition TR11).

  If the control station mode is maintained at the stage (transition TR14) when the idle period (fixed time) based on the contents of the cycle information has elapsed since the start of the communication cycle, the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode The transmission control station change flag is not set, and a cycle start message relating to the next communication cycle is broadcast to the communication cycle management unit 211 in the dependent station mode via the transmission message selection unit 215 and the intra-composition transmission path interface 28. Thereafter, the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode changes the communication cycle from the idle state ST13 to the aperiodic communication prohibited state ST11 (transition TR15).

  When the non-periodic communication prohibition period (fixed time) elapses, the communication cycle management unit 211 transitions from the non-periodic communication prohibition state ST11 to the aperiodic communication permission state ST12 (transition TR12). Furthermore, when the non-periodic communication permission period (fixed time) elapses, the communication cycle management unit 211 transitions from the non-periodic communication permission state ST12 to the idle state ST13 (transition TR13).

  On the other hand, if it is supposed to shift to a transmission subordinate station along with the merging / disconnecting of the train by the time the idle period elapses, the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode sends a cycle start message regarding the next communication cycle. Set the transmission control station change flag in the cycle information.

  Thereafter, the communication cycle management unit 211 in the control station mode sets the transmission control station change flag to the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the dependent station mode via the transmission message selection unit 215 and the intra-composition transmission path interface 28. Broadcast a set cycle start message. As a result, the vehicle monitoring control device 2 which is a transmission control station shifts to a transmission dependent station (dependent station mode) (transition TR2).

(2) Operation by Communication Cycle Management Unit in Dependent Station Mode FIG. 17 shows a communication state transition of the communication cycle management unit of the vehicle monitoring control device and the relay device that are transmission dependent stations in the train communication system according to the third embodiment. FIG. The configurations of the relay devices 1a and 1b and the vehicle monitoring control devices 2a to 2e according to the third embodiment are basically the same as those shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 described in the first embodiment. The dependent station mode includes a normal mode that manages a communication cycle according to a cycle start message from a transmission control station, and an autonomous mode that manages a communication cycle based on its own timer.

  The communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the dependent station mode immediately enter the autonomous mode (transition TR211) after activation and start the timer. At the same time, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the dependent station mode start an idle period based on the contents of cycle information stored in advance, and enter an idle state ST213.

  The communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the autonomous mode transition from the idle state ST213 to the aperiodic communication prohibited state ST211 when the idle period (fixed time) based on the contents of the cycle information has elapsed after starting the communication cycle (transition). TR214). Further, when the non-periodic communication prohibition period (predetermined time) elapses, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 transition from the non-periodic communication prohibition state ST211 to the aperiodic communication permission state ST212 (transition TR212). Subsequently, when the aperiodic communication permission period (a fixed time) elapses, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the autonomous mode shift to the idle state ST213 (transition TR213).

  In the autonomous mode, the stored content of the transmission source identifier of the cycle start message is empty. When receiving the cycle start message in the autonomous mode, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 store the transmission source identifier in the cycle start message in the cycle information storage units 118 and 218 and transition to the normal mode (transition TR21). .

  The communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the normal mode start a timer when a cycle start message is received. Thereby, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 in the normal mode start the idle period based on the contents of the cycle information of the cycle start message and enter the idle state ST223 (transition TR221).

  When the cycle start message is not received for a certain period in the idle state ST223 (transition TR229), the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 delete the contents of the transmission source identifier stored in the cycle information storage units 118 and 218 and transition to the autonomous mode. (Transition TR22).

  On the other hand, when the cycle start message is received in the idle state ST223 (transition TR224), the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 receive the source identifier of the received cycle start message and the source identifier read from the cycle information storage units 118 and 218. Compare the contents of. At this time, when the contents of the two transmission source identifiers do not match, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 transition to the idle state ST223 (transition TR228).

  If the contents of the two transmission source identifiers match (transition TR225), the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 can cycle information if the transmission control station change flag of the cycle start message is set (transition TR227). The contents of the transmission source identifier stored in the storage units 118 and 218 are deleted, and the mode changes to the autonomous mode (transition TR22).

  In the transition TR225, if the transmission control station change flag of the cycle start message is not set, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 receive a cycle start message related to the next communication cycle from the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that is the transmission control station, and Therefore, the timer is reset and the state transits to the aperiodic communication prohibited state ST221 (transition TR226).

  When a non-periodic communication prohibition period (fixed time) based on the contents of the cycle information has elapsed after the start of the communication cycle, the normal mode communication cycle management units 111 and 211 are in a nonperiodic communication permission state from the nonperiodic communication prohibition state ST221. Transition to ST222 (transition TR222). Further, when the aperiodic communication permission period (fixed time) elapses, the communication cycle managers 111 and 211 transition from the aperiodic communication permission state ST222 to the idle state ST223 (transition TR223).

(3) Operation at the time of disengagement FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing a flow of operation at the time of disengagement in the train communication system according to the third embodiment, and shows a case where the formation 6f is disengaged into the formations 6d and 6e. ing. It is assumed that the transmission control station in the train 6f is the vehicle monitoring control device 2a, and the transmission control station is separated into the train 6d that is the vehicle monitoring control device 2a and the transmission control station is the train 6e that is the vehicle monitoring control device 2e. The

  First, in the train 6f, the vehicle monitoring control device 2a, which is a transmission control station, sends a cycle start message 500a (in FIG. 18) to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2e and the relay devices 1a and 1b at the start of the communication cycle N. Broadcast (shown in black rectangles). Subsequently, the vehicle monitoring control device 2a broadcasts a periodic message 600a including the monitoring control data of the host vehicle 4a to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b to 2e and the relay devices 1a and 1b.

  The broadcast cycle start message 500a and periodic message 600a are sent to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b and 2c via the relay device 1a, and sent to the vehicle monitoring control devices 2d and 2e via the relay devices 1a and 1b. When the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b, 2c, 2d, and 2e receive the cycle start message 500a, the vehicle monitoring and control devices 2b, 2c, 2d, and 2e regard the reception time of the cycle start message 500a as the communication cycle start timing, The time elapsed from the start of the cycle is measured while measuring the time of the communication permission period.

  Subsequently, the vehicle monitoring control devices 2b and 2c broadcast periodic messages 600b and 600c including monitoring control data of the vehicles 4b and 4c. Further, when the vehicle monitoring control devices 2d and 2e receive the cycle start message 500a, the vehicle monitoring control devices 2d and 2e broadcast periodic messages 600d and 600e including the monitoring control data of the vehicles 4d and 4e.

  Thereby, the vehicle monitoring control device 2b receives the periodic messages 600a, 600c, 600d, and 600e, and the vehicle monitoring control device 2c receives the periodic messages 600a, 600b, 600d, and 600e. Further, the vehicle monitoring control device 2d receives the periodic messages 600a, 600b, 600c, and 600e, and the vehicle monitoring control device 2e receives the periodic messages 600a, 600b, 600c, and 600d.

  When the train 6f is disconnected to the trains 6d and 6e at time T1, the train 6d continues communication in the communication cycle N according to the cycle start message 500a from the vehicle monitoring control device 2a. On the other hand, in the composition 6e, since the cycle start message 500a does not arrive, the idle state of the immediately preceding communication cycle N is continued.

  When a certain time t0 has elapsed from the start of the communication cycle N, the communication cycle management unit 111 of the relay device 1b in the train 6e and the communication cycle management unit 211 of the vehicle monitoring control devices 2d and 2e are stored in the cycle information storage units 118 and 218. The stored source identifier of the cycle start message (identifier that identifies the vehicle monitoring control device 2a) is deleted. Thereafter, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 change to the autonomous mode and manage the start timing of the communication cycle with their own timer.

  Thereafter, at time T6, the vehicle monitoring control device 2e is assumed to be established as a transmission control station for the train 6e. At this time, the vehicle monitoring control device 2e that has become the transmission control station manages the start timing of the communication cycle 0 by using a timer, and the cycle at the start of the communication cycle 0 with respect to the vehicle monitoring control device 2d and the relay device 1b. A start message 500e (indicated by a white rectangle in FIG. 18) is broadcast. Thereby, the vehicle monitoring control device 2e starts the communication cycle 0 and transitions to the idle state.

  By setting the initial state after the transition between modes to the idle state in this way, as shown in FIG. 18, after time T6 when the formation 6f is disconnected to the formations 6d and 6e, the vehicle monitoring control device 2e performs a new transmission. The communication cycle 0 immediately after being established in the control station can be an idle period.

  The broadcast cycle start message 500e is received by the relay device 1b and the vehicle monitoring control device 2d at time T7. At this time, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 of the relay device 1b and the vehicle monitoring control device 2d do not store the contents of the transmission source identifier of the cycle start message in the cycle information storage units 118 and 218.

  Therefore, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 of the relay device 1b and the vehicle monitoring control device 2d store the contents of the transmission source identifier of the cycle start message 500e in the cycle information storage units 118 and 218, and receive the cycle start message 500e. Is started as a communication cycle start timing. Thereby, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 execute communication (idle state) of the communication cycle 0 according to the cycle start message 500e. When the communication cycle 0 ends, the communication cycle management units 111 and 211 manage the start timings after the communication cycle 1 according to the cycle start message 500e from the vehicle monitoring control device 2e.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the idle period that permits communication of only the cycle start message and the message in the middle of communication is set to the initial state after the transition between modes. The cycle start message is not delayed by a message that was being transmitted when the transmission control station was established. For this reason, it is possible to immediately shift to the steady state after the idle period after the establishment of the transmission control station.

  In the third embodiment, an example in which the initial state after the transition between the modes is an idle period in which communication of only a cycle start message and a message in the middle of communication is permitted is shown. It is good also as a state. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the above can be acquired.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram for illustrating a communication cycle in a train communication system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. A communication cycle is a unit of a communication pattern that is repeatedly performed in communication via an on-vehicle network. In FIG. 19, a high-speed periodic communication period, a versatile period, and an idle period are defined in the communication cycle.

  In the high-speed periodic communication period, a predetermined periodic message is transmitted and received for each communication cycle. In the versatile period, low-speed periodic communication is performed in the communication cycle N, and aperiodic communication is performed in the communication cycle N + 1. Note that the message type, communication cycle, and length of the period to be communicated in the versatile period are set by the communication cycle management unit 211 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that is a transmission control station. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the communication cycle management unit 211 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that is a transmission control station can specify transmission of a different type of message for each communication cycle in the versatile period of the communication cycle. .

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a structure of a cycle start message according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the cycle start message of the fourth embodiment includes a message identifier, a transmission source identifier, a transmission control station change flag, a cycle length, a high-speed periodic communication period length, a multi-use period use, and a multi-use period period length. It consists of fields corresponding to each.

  In the multi-use period use field, information indicating the use of the multi-use period in the communication cycle is stored. In the example of FIG. 19, information indicating low-speed periodic communication is stored in the multi-use period use field of the cycle start message of the communication cycle N. Also, information indicating non-periodic communication is stored in the multi-use period use field of the cycle start message of communication cycle N + 1.

  Cycles information such as source identifier, transmission control station change flag, cycle length, high-speed periodic communication period length, multi-use period use, and multi-use period period length stored in each field of the cycle start message Called information. The relay device 1 and the vehicle monitoring control device 2 perform communication via the on-vehicle network according to the cycle information read from the cycle start message.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the type of message to be communicated, the communication cycle, and the period length are set by the communication cycle management unit 211 of the vehicle monitoring control device 2 that operates as a transmission control station. Cycle information that defines an application period as a period for dividing a communication cycle is used. Accordingly, different types of messages can be transmitted for each communication cycle, and data that is periodically communicated can be communicated with a different cycle for each data type. In addition, a communication band can be assigned for each data type for data to be aperiodically communicated.

  In addition, the said Embodiment 4 is applicable to the structure of the said Embodiment 1-3 and Embodiment 5 mentioned later.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the relay control unit of the relay device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. 21, the relay control unit 11 according to the fifth embodiment includes protocol conversion units 119a and 119b in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. The protocol conversion units 119a and 119b convert the protocol of messages transmitted and received via the inter-set transmission path interfaces 19a and 19b.

  For example, in order to realize high-speed communication within the composition, Ethernet (registered trademark) is used below the data link layer in the in-composition transmission path 8. In addition, in order to ensure reliability against disconnection by an automatic coupler between trains, HDLC (High-level Data Link Control Procedure) is used for the data link layer in the inter-train transmission line 9 and the physical layer is used. Uses RS422 (Recommended Standard 422), which is a physical layer interface specification for serial transfer.

  In this case, the intra-composition transmission path interface 18 functions as an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, and the inter-composition transmission path interfaces 19a and 19b are HDLC / RS422 interfaces. The protocol conversion units 119a and 119b perform protocol conversion of messages received via the inter-set transmission path interfaces 19a and 19b into Ethernet (registered trademark) frames. Thereby, each configuration of the relay control unit 11 handles an Ethernet (registered trademark) frame message.

  The protocol conversion units 119a and 119b perform protocol conversion of messages transmitted via the inter-set transmission path interfaces 19a and 19b from Ethernet (registered trademark) frames to HDLC frames. As a result, messages in the HDLC frame are handled on the inter-set transmission lines 9a and 9b connected to the inter-set transmission path interfaces 19a and 19b.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the intra-composition transmission path 8 that connects between the relay apparatus 1 in the train and the vehicle monitoring control apparatus 2 and the inter-composition transmission path that connects between the relay apparatuses 1. When the relay apparatus 1 relays communication between the intra-composition transmission path 8 and the inter-composition transmission path 9, a communication protocol corresponding to each of the transmission paths 8 and 9 is set. Protocol conversion units 119a and 119b for conversion are provided. Thereby, different protocols can be used below the data link layer of the intra-composition transmission path 8 and the inter-composition transmission path 9. For example, it is possible to use a high-speed protocol within the composition and use a low-speed protocol that can ensure reliability even when the connection is cut by the automatic coupler between the compositions.

  In addition, the said Embodiment 5 is applicable to the structure of the said Embodiment 1-4.

  Moreover, in the said Embodiment 1-5, although the structure which provided the relay apparatus 1 separately from the vehicle monitoring control apparatus 2 was shown, the structure part which has the function similar to the relay apparatus 1 is included in the vehicle monitoring control apparatus 2. It may be provided. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the train communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 22, vehicle monitoring control devices 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> F include relay processing units 1 </ b> A to 1 </ b> F having functions similar to those of relay device 1 described in the first to fifth embodiments.

  The relay processing units 1A and 1B are connected via a transmission line 9A in the formation 6a. Similarly, the relay processing units 1C and 1D are connected via a transmission line 9C in the train 6b. The relay processing units 1E and 1F are connected via a transmission line 9E in the formation 6c. Furthermore, the relay processing units 1B and 1C are connected to each other via a transmission line 9B, and the relay processing units 1D and 1E are connected to each other via a transmission line 9D.

  In the train communication system shown in FIG. 22, an on-vehicle network in which information transmission is performed via the transmission paths 9A to 9E is configured. For example, in the train 6a, the vehicle monitoring and control devices 2A and 2B communicate via the relay processing units 1A and 1B with the transmission line 9A as the intra-composition transmission route, and the vehicle monitoring and control device with the transmission line 9B as the inter-composition transmission route. Communicate with 2C. As described above, the relay processing units 1A to 1F illustrated in FIG. 22 perform the processes described in the first to fifth embodiments as the functional components of the vehicle monitoring control devices 2A to 2F. Even if comprised in this way, the effect similar to the above can be acquired.

Claims (8)

In a communication system for trains equipped with a communication device mounted for each vehicle,
The communication device
Communicate during a period in which only communication of messages that should be transmitted periodically is permitted, a period in which communication of messages that allow aperiodic communication is permitted, an idle period in which communication of only messages that are in the middle of a cycle start message and communication is permitted A communication cycle management unit that manages the communication cycle according to cycle information that classifies the cycle,
There line communication managed communication cycle by the communication cycle management unit,
The period length of the idle period, the communication system for trains, characterized in that the maximum time required for message transmission between the communication device. In a communication system for trains equipped with a communication device mounted for each vehicle,
The communication device
Communicate during a period in which only communication of messages that should be transmitted periodically is permitted, a period in which communication of messages that allow aperiodic communication is permitted, an idle period in which communication of only messages that are in the middle of a cycle start message and communication is permitted A communication cycle management unit that manages the communication cycle according to cycle information that classifies the cycle,
Perform communication in the communication cycle managed by the communication cycle management unit,
Mounted on at least one of said vehicle for each knitting, comprising a relay device for relaying communication between said communication device,
The relay device is
Period to allow only communications of the periodically be communicated messages, a period for permitting the communication of messages the aperiodic communication is permitted, said to allow communication only the cycle start message and the way communication message according to the cycle information for distinguishing the communication cycle idle periods, with the communication cycle management unit that manages the communication cycle,
Relay communication between the communication devices in a communication cycle managed by the communication cycle management unit,
Period length of the idle period, the time required to send messages between the relay device adjacent, of the time required to transmit messages between the directly connected relay device and the communication device, any communication system for trains you characterized by either a time greater than the larger. In a communication system for trains equipped with a communication device mounted for each vehicle,
The communication device
Communicate during a period in which only communication of messages that should be transmitted periodically is permitted, a period in which communication of messages that allow aperiodic communication is permitted, an idle period in which communication of only messages that are in the middle of a cycle start message and communication is permitted A communication cycle management unit that manages the communication cycle according to cycle information that classifies the cycle,
Perform communication in the communication cycle managed by the communication cycle management unit,
A communication device that operates as a transmission control station
At the start of the communication cycle, to the communication device that operates as the transmission dependent station, sends the cycle start message including a cycle information, the elapsed time measured from the start of the communication cycle in the communication cycle based Communicate
A communication device that operates as the transmission dependent station,
At the time when the cycle start message is received, communication in the communication cycle according to the cycle information of the cycle start message is started, and communication is performed in the communication cycle based on the elapsed time measured from the time when the cycle start message is received. communication system for trains you and performing. A different communication protocol is set between the intra-composition transmission path that connects between the relay device and the communication device in the train, and the inter-composition transmission path that connects between the relay devices,
Relay apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises Upon relaying communication between the intra-transmission path and the intra-transmission path, a protocol conversion unit for converting the communication protocol corresponding to each transmission path The communication system for trains described. A communication device that operates as a transmission control station
At the start of the communication cycle, a cycle start message including cycle information is transmitted to the communication device operating as the relay device and the transmission dependent station, and the communication cycle is based on the elapsed time measured from the start of the communication cycle. Communicate with
The communication device that operates as the relay device and the transmission dependent station,
At the time when the cycle start message is received, communication in the communication cycle according to the cycle information of the cycle start message is started, and communication is performed in the communication cycle based on the elapsed time measured from the time when the cycle start message is received. The train communication system according to claim 2 , wherein the train communication system is performed. 3. The train communication system according to claim 2 , wherein the communication device and the relay device set an initial period of the communication cycle as an idle period in which communication of only a cycle start message and a message in the middle of communication is permitted. The communication device and the relay device have a transmission control station mode that operates as a transmission control station, a normal mode that operates as a transmission dependent station in a communication cycle according to the cycle information of the cycle start message, and cycle information stored in advance in the own device. Among the autonomous modes that operate as a transmission dependent station in a communication cycle according to the above, the first period immediately after any mode transition is an idle period that permits communication of only a cycle start message and a message in the middle of communication. The train communication system according to claim 2 . The communication cycle manager
A storage unit for storing a transmission source identifier indicating a transmission source of the cycle start message;
Managing the communication cycle according to the cycle information of the cycle start message received from the sender of the sender identifier stored in the storage unit;
When information indicating the change of the transmission control station is set in the cycle start message received from the transmission source that matches the transmission source identifier stored in the storage unit, or when the cycle start message is not received for a predetermined period The communication cycle is managed according to cycle information stored in advance in the own device until the transmission source identifier in the storage unit is erased and a cycle start message is received from a new transmission source that should store the transmission source identifier in the storage unit. The train communication system according to claim 3 .

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